Ed Casabar @edcasabar@qoto.org

365 days of Russia’s terrible, genocidal war in Ukraine. Tens of thousands of Ukrainians dead and millions displaced.

After 365 days, it’s easy for us Americans to ignore the war as it grinds on. But we cannot lessen our support for Ukraine and its people. We must continue to stand united against Putin and Russia.

Russia has devolved into a Fascist, authoritarian, terrorist, and isolated state. Hundreds of thousands of its men are mobilized, only to be poorly trained and equipped, then sent to be cannon fodder in wave after wave of outdated and ineffective, WW1-style battles. Hardened Russian prisoners, including murderers and rapists, are recruited to enter a constitutionally illegal, but widely accepted private army.

Russia feeds lies to its people. State TV controls the narrative as Russian propagandists scream for elimination of Ukrainian identity and threaten nuclear war. Disinformation becomes the norm in Russia as independent journalists are ousted, the internet is censored, laws to control speech are enacted, and Putin’s opponents are imprisoned or thrown out of windows.

We have seen that Russia bombs the Ukrainian infrastructure and power grid in an attempt to freeze and starve Ukrainians during winter. War crimes have been documented, including execution style murders of ordinary citizens, rape, the deportation of thousands of children for “re-education”, and the use of phosphorous bombs to cause uncontrollable fires. The world economy has destabilized and worries of WW3 or nuclear war loom. Democracy in Europe and other countries (e.g., Moldova, the Baltics) are under threat if Putin and Russia are allowed to continue.

After 20 years in office, Putin did all of this to in a sick and evil attempt to remain in power and recreate his vision of a renewed empire/Soviet Union - no matter the cost to Russia, his people, Ukraine, and the world. He must be stopped.

#Ukraine, #Україна
#SlavaUkraini, #СлаваУкраїні
#RussiaIsATerroristState

Image source: New York Times

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/24/world/europe/ukraine-war-anniversary-photos.html

Yes! Unwavering support for #Ukraine. #Biden visits #Zelenskyy in Kyiv. Air raid sirens going off.

#SlavaUkraini
#славаукраїні
#russiaisaterroriststate

Sending peace and loving kindness to former President Jimmy Carter, who has entered hospice care. What an exemplary person he has been.

Daring escapes of brave, anti-war Russians fleeing their homeland.
#russiaisaterroriststate

Смелые побеги отважных антивоенных россиян, бегущих с родины.
#РоссияГосударствоТеррорист

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/14/world/europe/russia-antiwar-dissidents-escape.html

#russia
#россия

I’m really enjoying this newly released version of “Love Manifest” from one of my favorite bands, #Sunsay of #Ukraine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxqRYrvBkKQ

The more syncopated and hipper drumming stands out for me. And the song’s message is needed more than ever as #Russia ’s war on Ukraine ravages on.

The song was originally released in 2016. With the original version, Sunsay placed 3rd at #Eurovision 2016. The singer/songerwriter is Andriy Zaporozhets. Instagram: @sunsay_official. Sunsay’s been one of my favorite groups since I started studying Russian some year ago. They sing songs in Ukrainian, Russian and English.

Enjoy.

#Українська - Любов, любов, любов - це єдиний шля
#Русский - Любовь, любовь, любовь - это единственный путь
#English - Love, love, love is the only way

Yikes! Close call. Discovered only 5 days ago, #Asteroid 2023 BU will pass by Earth within 2200 miles/3600 km tonight at 7:27 pm Eastern time.

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/jpl/nasa-system-predicts-small-asteroid-to-pass-close-by-earth-this-week

Jpeg of orbital diagram courtesy of #NASA.

Great news for #Ukraine. The US has changed its mind and decided to send #AbramsTanks. #Germany finally frees its Leopards.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/01/24/abrams-leopard-tanks-ukraine/

#Україна
#FreeTheLeopards
#Nato
#Russia
#EU

Gina Kolata's #nytimes article on #DamarHamlin and CPR here:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/22/health/damar-hamlin-cardiac-arrest-hospital.html?action=click&module=RelatedLinks&pgtype=Article

You witness a cardiac arrest. You know #CPR. Sing "#StayingAlive".

An apropos title and correct BPMs for chest compressions (100/min). Flashbacks of John Travolta, line dancing, lots of polyester.

Above hint from NYTimes article on #DamarHamlin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNFzfwLM72c

People of Bali Series 2 of 2

Finally getting around to post-processing this photo series. #RetiredLife.

#Bali
#Indonesia
#Travel
#Photography
#Portrait
#PortraitPhotography
#PhotoMonday
#FotoMontag

People of Bali Series 1 of 2

Finally getting around to post-processing this photo series. #RetiredLife.

#Bali
#Indonesia
#Travel
#Photography
#Portrait
#PortraitPhotography
#PhotoMonday
#FotoMontag